“It is important to see the diversity in the art forms and the diversity in the African American Culture,” said Alisa Parker.

Parker, a board member of the Black Arts Cultural Center, the organizer of the event, said she has been attending the festival since she was a child.

“I like seeing the different art forms, but it’s also about seeing this community come together,” Parker said.

Lift Up Through Literacy, Family & Children Services, Money Smart Kids and several other local organizations set up informational booths at the festival.

Yvonne Davis, program manager for Lift Up Through Literacy, said the event was a good opportunity to help connect with families and help local youth build their own personal library at home. “When parents sign up the children get free books,” Davis said.

Nashon Holloway, 24, a local performance artist, said she has also been attending the festival since she was a child.

“It’s very alive,” Holloway said. “It’s important to see what’s happening and it’s nice to see the younger people get involved.”

Bradley Ross Jackson, 7, of Kalamazoo, was one of the younger performers Saturday.

“I did a tribute to Trayvon Martin,” Jackson said, holding up a can of Arizona Ice Tea and a bag of Skittles.

For Kimberly Ward, who was in Bronson Park with her family Saturday, the festival is all about art, jewelry and music.

“We’ll come tomorrow too,” Ward said.

Gospel in the Park, the last day of the 2013 Black Arts Festival, will be held Sunday with a service from Pastor James Harris and Trenches Community Church at 11 a.m. followed by performances by local Christian dancers and musicians until 6 p.m.